August Scholz (1825-1891), a German immigrant and confederate veteran, built his public bar and cafe in 1866 over an old boarding house, the year following the end of the Civil War. Mr. Scholz purchased the building and surrounding property in 1862 from Sam Norville for $2400. Scholz Garten soon became a favorite meeting place for the German population in and around Austin for many of their social activities and German food. The Biergarten and other rooms were added as the need arose. Mr. Scholz operated his unique tavern and cafe until his death in 1891. His step-son (Theodor Reisner 1845-1911) operated the little bar and restaurant for two more years, then sold "Scholz Garten" to the Lemp Brewery Company (Falstaff Beer) in 1893, the same year that The University of Texas football team had its first undefeated season. Since "The University" was only two blocks away "the team" celebrated its victories at "The Garten."

Celebrating is just one of the traditions that is still alive here at "Scholz Garten." In December of 1908 a German singing club, "The Austin Saengerrunde" ("singer-round") purchased the restaurant and bar from The Lemp Brewery and built a bowling alley near the Biergarten boundaries. The six lane bowling alley is still in operation. The Saengerrunde still owns Scholz Garten, but leases the bar and restaurant operation to restaurant entrepreneurs like Liz and myself.
Undaunted by prohibition "Scholz Garten" came up with a non-alcoholic brew in 1921 and called it "Bone Dry Beer." Food sales, for obvious reasons, became more important during prohibition (the 18th amendment) and the menu items included more regional and traditional Texas favorites. Food sales increased to more than 50% over the years and have continued to be a staple of the "Scholz’s" business. Good Food became a Scholz Garten tradition. (the very large photo of the bar in the front room (upstairs) taken during prohibition has no beer taps or beer advertisements) Scholz Garten is one of the few establishments that fortunately doesn’t change too much, but when it has the public seems to make quite a "big deal" about it.

In 1962, Bob Bales, Scholz’s operator, decided to do some remodeling and even add, heaven forbid, air conditioning! Bob reported he was almost "run out of town." The Bales Family, including Larry, David and Stacy Bales operated Scholz's from the early sixties until 1996. The 1966 Texas legislature (the 59th) honored "Scholz Garten" in House Resolution #68 "as a gathering place for Texans of discernment, taste, culture, erudition, epitomizing the finest tradition of magnificent German heritage in our State. Scholz Garten is recognized as "a friendly forum for discussion of the problems of government and a relaxing respite from the cares of state. "Scholz Garten" was recorded as a "Texas Historical Landmark in 1967." My cousins, Eddie and Susie Ball, have taken political science classes at Scholz Garten. Citizens, U.T. students, professors, and politicians have debated many issues here on these grounds. The more liberal-minded traditionally meet in the Biergarten, and those of the conservative persuasion seem to gather inside. Debates, usually friendly, have even garnered the media’s attention. The "discussions" have been broadcast on local radio news programs with just a few "bleeps" now and then: A Scholz Garten Tradition.
Scholz Gartenis the last of the "great Biergartens" in Austin. It was a place that the entire family could go before "horseless carriages" and "moving pictures" took their toll on everyone’s time. Kids could romp noisily around the bandstand, while their parents could enjoy a cold beer. Good food, music, and cold beer is still a tradition at Scholz Garten. Some of it’s former glory. With a few special individual’s help we did our best. Joe, Fred, Jesse, Beverley, Kip, Dee Dee and Vincent worked long hours to re-open Scholz Garten. It couldn’t have been accomplished without their help. Thanks to all of you. All of us hope you enjoy some good food, cold beer, good conversation, and good music while you visit Scholz's. These still are our traditions. Make it one of your Traditions. You probably deserve it. Traditionally, Tom , Liz, Lauren, and Brian Davis (Summer 2005) Austin, Texas.